Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C., reinforced its commitment to attracting meetings and events during PCMA Convening Leaders. In 2025, there are an estimated 399,409 total room nights booked stemming from convention center business, with an estimated 349,507 total room nights from non-convention center business.
Connected Campus
One new strategy to layer groups in Washington, D.C. beyond the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is the “Connected Campus” initiative. By providing meeting planners with interesting ways to use space clustered outside of the traditional downtown area, groups have more flexibility on date availability and their meetings help create compression for hotels in all areas of the city. The positioning now includes five new campuses that center around meeting hubs that stretch the city. The campuses feature a creative meeting hub, surrounding hotels and supportive event spaces.
The new campuses include:
- Capitol Riverfront
- The Wharf
- The National Mall
- Connecticut Avenue Collection
- Downtown DC
New Hotels and Venues
There are 19 new hotels or renovations in the pipeline, adding over 3,506 new or renovated rooms. Among those are:
- The Canal House (February 2025) – Located in Georgetown, the 108-key hotel combines a modern office building and historic townhouses under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio.
- Hyatt House Washington, DC – Convention Center (summer 2025) – Adjacent to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the 182-key hotel, formerly the Cambria in Shaw, is undergoing a full renovation beginning March 2025. When it reopens in June 2025 under the Hyatt House brand, it will offer upgraded meeting rooms, a fitness center, a bar and lounge, and a rooftop terrace.
- Moxy Hotel Southwest (2025) – Strategically located between Nationals Park and Audi Field, the 166-key hotel is part of a mixed-use development complete with residential spaces, rooftop views and a farmers’ market
- The James (2025) – A conversion of the current Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle, it will offer luxurious accommodations and focus on destination-worthy dining and beverage experiences.
- CitizenM Georgetown (2025) – Just east of Key Bridge along the Georgetown waterfront, the Netherlands-based chain plans to open its third property in D.C. Set within a renovated 100-year-old building, the 230-room hotel combines stylish design with functional meeting spaces.
- Arlo Hotel (November 2024) – The new 445-room Arlo Hotel incorporates a historic 1880s residential building with a modern 12-story addition. Highlights include a rooftop pool and lounge, fitness center, signature restaurant and bar, and versatile indoor/outdoor event spaces.
Several properties across the city have undergone upgrades or a rebranding, as well, including the Salamander Washington DC, Grand Hyatt Washington, Westin Downtown, Marriott Metro Center, Capital Hilton and Le Meridien Washington, DC, The Madison.
Prioritizing Sustainability
DDC touts itself as "the first urban top-tier destination" with a staff member dedicated to sustainability. The Sustainability District has over 50 members and helps meeting planners find sustainable hotels, restaurants, DMCs and convention services. In March, DDC will host its second annual Sustainability Summit.
In 2024, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center earned LEED Platinum certification, one of only four convention centers in North America with the distinction. In 2025, the center will introduce new sustainability initiatives.
DDC also recently announced the DEI Business Fellowship cohort for 2025, which included 12 industry service businesses. In its fourth year, the program provides members with a year of complimentary marketing, networking and training. The program helps minority-owned and operated businesses access. The DEI Business Fellowship is the focus of the white paper, “Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Destination DC’s DEI Business Fellowship,” published in the International Journal for Business Events and Legacies.
For more information, visit www.washington.org.
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